Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 is the kind of piece that invites showing off. The featured instrument receives nearly all the attention while the orchestra lulls around in the background. The ensemble does get a few nice turns, especially in the first movement, but basically it exists to introduce themes that the pianist makes more interesting.

Chopin was a pianist first, an arranger second, and that’s the beauty and baggage of this frequently performed concerto. A pianist simply has to embody it wholly and accept responsibility for fulfilling its promise.

The 18-year-old Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki understands this particular job and has his own ideas about how to get it done. Performing the piece with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Friday night, he resisted all excess — in both his mannerisms and his playing — and turned out a technically sound, emotionally fulfilling performance.

Lisiecki shows tremendous respect for the music. He is clearly focused and true to Chopin’s writing. Some players take this opportunity to go to extremes, pounding out the loud sections and turning oh-so-soft for the quieter moments. It’s an opportunity for over-the-top acting.